clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel 

1

: the shell of a clam

2

a

: a bucket or grapple (as on a dredge) having two hinged jaws

b

: an excavating machine having a clamshell

c

: either of a pair of doors (as in an airplane tail) that open out and away from each other

d

: a hinged container, case, or cover that opens like the shell of a clam

Examples of clamshell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of Microsoft's earlier desktop-replacement systems, such as the Surface Laptop Studio 2, were notable for their dual-position displays that brought some of that tablet capability to a closer-to-clamshell design. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026

One foolproof option is the Dagne Dover Sydney Checked Luggage, now 72 percent off, which is beloved by Travel+Leisure editors for its spacious interior and versatile top-load and clamshell packing options. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2026

Following the death in Georgia, non-Six Flags theme parks SeaWorld Orlando in Florida and La Ronde in Montreal, Canada, also temporarily closed one roller coaster apiece that use clamshell restraints. — Russ Bynum, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Film buffs see this process as akin to an anointing; the trademark C, tucked into the upper-left corner of a plastic clamshell, signals a movie’s importance. — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clamshell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• cogswell
• compel
• dispel

Kids Definition

clamshell

noun

clam·​shell ˈklam-ˌshel 

: the shell of a clam